Cannabis Addiction Signs and Symptoms | Therapeutic Detox and Behavioural Rehabilitation Clinic

What Is Cannabis Use Disorder?

Cannabis use disorder or cannabis dependence is defined as being a state of continued use of cannabis despite significant negative consequences. If a person’s cannabis consumption results in physical, emotional and/or psychosocial symptoms, then they are said to be experiencing cannabis abuse, dependency or addiction.

Difference Between Cannabis Abuse, Dependency and Addiction?

The terminology cannabis abuse, dependence and addiction have become misunderstood and loosely interchangeable but all terms are housed under the bracket of cannabis use disorder. Below we explain the main differences between the core terms:

Cannabis Abuse

Binge usage, meaning a large consumption of cannabis over a short period of time which regularly results in feelings of guilt, regret and or confusion as to how this has happened again.

Abuse can result in short term risk behaviours or conversely doing very little in a productive sense. Regular cannabis use can result in binge eating, unprotected sex, agitation, bloodshot eyes, challenges in problem-solving, and paranoia.

Cannabis Dependency

Prolonged cannabis use produces both pharmacokinetic changes (how the drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted) and pharmacodynamic changes (how the drug interacts with target cells) to the body.

These changes require the user to consume higher doses of the drug to achieve a common desirable effect (known as a higher tolerance), reinforcing the body’s metabolic systems for eliminating the drug more efficiently and further downregulating cannabinoid receptors in the brain.

Cannabis users have shown decreased reactivity to dopamine, suggesting a possible link to a dampening of the reward system of the brain and an increase in negative emotionality and addiction severity.

Cannabis Addiction

According to the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre in Australia, a sign of cannabis addiction is that an individual spends noticeably more time than the average recreational user recovering from the use of or obtaining cannabis.

For some, using cannabis becomes a substantial and disruptive part of an individual’s life and he or she may exhibit difficulties in meeting personal obligations or participating in important life activities, preferring to use cannabis instead. People who are cannabis dependent have the inability to stop or decrease using cannabis on their own

If you or a loved one are suffering from some level of cannabis use disorder then please call us today so we can help you!

What are the main signs of cannabis addiction? 

The signs of cannabis addiction range from changes in mood and behaviour to physical symptoms and social withdrawal. Typical signs are:

• You want to stop taking cannabis but cannot.
• You take cannabis in larger quantities or more often than intended.
• You spend a lot of time getting, taking or recovering from taking cannabis.
• You have cravings and urges for cannabis.
• You cannot manage at work, home or with studies because of your cannabis use.
• You take cannabis again and again, even when it puts you or others in danger.
• You have physical or emotional withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop.

If you answer yes to 2 or more of the questions then call us now and speak to a trained addiction counsellor!

What are the effects of cannabis?

The immediate effects of smoking cannabis include a “high”, a general feeling of happiness, relaxation, and a lack of inhibition, which is why many people take it to relax and “chill out”. Taking cannabis can result in an increase in appetite, and heighten the senses (taste, sight, smell or hearing). A person’s pupils become dilated and eyes bloodshot.

Negative short-term effects:

• Anxiety, panic, paranoid thoughts and self-consciousness
• Poor coordination, balance and reduced reaction time
• Increased heartbeat
• Nausea and vomiting.

Serious long-term cannabis effects include:

• Developing an addiction to cannabis
• Bronchitis
• Brain abnormalities and diminished mental functioning
• Panic attacks
• Hallucinations, paranoia and even psychosis.

The main symptoms of marijuana withdrawal include:

• Restlessness
• Irritability leading to sudden outbursts of anger
• Feeling anxious or worried
• Feeling depressed
• Having trouble sleeping, with nightmares and vivid dreams
• Feeling tired during the day
• Lack of appetite and weight loss.

What are the main physical cannabis withdrawal symptoms?

• Headaches
• Sweating
• Digestion problems, cramps and nausea.
• Shakiness
• Fever or chills

Our CQC Cannabis Rehab Clinic

Our specialist residential cannabis intoxication recovery unit, Recovery Lighthouse, treats cannabis abuse and dependency through an intensive course of managed detoxification, therapeutic counselling and holistic rehab Inc. cross addiction and relapse prevention workshops. Post-rehab lifetime aftercare is delivered through our industry-leading sober support programme called UKAT connections.

Cannabis Addiction Hospital

Our CQC cannabis recovery hospital is patient-focused from the outset, every aspect of treatment is designed for comfort and long-term healing. Our bedrooms are warmly decorated, our private chef prepares 3 meals a day on site and our recreational grounds are perfect for alone time, to relax and live in the moment of healing.

Through a therapist-led managed detox programme the client becomes cannabis free, then an intensive course of one-to-one and group therapy uncovers root causes of destructive behaviours. Holistic workshops deal with cross-addiction and relapse prevention which is usually high on patients’ agenda.

Finally, our cannabis hospital offers an award-winning free lifetime aftercare support network called UKAT connections that delivers sober companionship and socialising.

What Is A Cannabis Detox?

Our residential medical cannabis detox is the most comfortable way to remove toxins from your body. Our clinical medical detox team consists of doctors, nurses, therapists and support workers meaning that every aspect of your physical, emotional and spiritual detox and recovery is monitored and treatment tailored accordingly.

As cannabis is not physically addictive like heroin or cannabis you will not be prescribed a medical substitute as such but may be prescribed medication to help with anxiety and sleep problems. Our approach to detoxing cannabis is food, exercise and therapy.

Cannabis Recovery Diet Plan

Our private chef will prepare locally sourced, freshly made, home cooked meals, onsite 3x per day. There will also be a range of healthy snacks throughout the day. A diet high in fruit and vegetables will help your body reset and increase the production of naturally occurring dopamine

Cannabis Recovery Exercise Programme

Due to cannabis not being physically addictive, you will be able to make use of gym facilities in order to sweat out the remnants of the drug. Brisk walks along the sea-front and local gym trips will also get you out and about and interacting with people.

Food and Fitness – Turbo Charged Recovery

Exercising helps the body speed up the healing process, and also helps with depression and other emotions. It is a good idea to drink plenty of water which removes toxins from the body. A healthy low-fat diet can help improve digestion.

For former users who experience excessive sweating, foods high in potassium are recommended to replenish this mineral, such as green leafy vegetables, tomatoes and various fruits such as citrus fruits, bananas and melons.

Long-term Cannabis Rehabilitation

In order to acquire the life skills that are required to function in society without the need for cannabis we strongly recommend 28 days of residential cannabis rehabilitation. Our specialist programmes include:

• One-to-one Counselling
• Relapse Prevention Workshops
• Yoga & Meditation
• Music & Art therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Holistic Programme
• Mindfulness and Acupuncture
• Fitness and Massage
• Cross Addiction Workshops
• Group Therapy

If you have any questions regarding our cannabis use disorder treatment, locations and cost – we can answer them!

Lifelong Cannabis Relapse Prevention

Post-rehab challenges are inevitable and having to face the reality of day-to-day life can be an extremely daunting thought. While you may be determined to continue living a sober life, external triggers and temptations exist and dealing with these alone can leave you feeling isolated. To support you during this vital time, we have created a two-tier approach to long-term sobriety.

Short-term aftercare:

We provide one year’s free aftercare support sessions every week in the rehab you attended (or nearest clinic). Here you will engage with a group based therapeutic approach, with family/loved ones in attendance (if you so wish) and you will also have the opportunity to speak with your therapist one-to-one.

Long-term sober network:

We have built the UK’s first sober recovery network for all those who have attended a UKAT treatment facility. This lifelong recovery network is called UKAT Connections – a gateway to lifelong sober companionship. Events include Christmas parties, dinners, adventure days out and, of course, summer BBQs.

This is the future of permanent recovery, and we are proud to be the first rehab family in the UK to offer it. Many people fear that putting down cannabis means losing their social life. At UKAT we say it’s only just begun! Please call to hear more about rehab, recovery and lifelong happiness.

If you have any questions regarding our private detox clinic, treatment needs, locations and/or cost – call us today!